Scholars of library and information sciences have addressed the critical roles of libraries in energizing the public sphere, or the social spaces in which ideas and opinions are exchanged. But seldom is the discussion of race, racism, and marginalization examined in public libraries. The concept of the public sphere represents a critical…

School libraries face a challenging future. Substantive claims are being made that they are no longer viable because of the access to vast quantities of information on the Internet and because they are costly infrastructures to maintain because of the increasing cost of print materials as well as the cost of personnel. Research show that students…

This research probes future roles for libraries in the scholarly communication process through the use of scenarios. The researchers asked 20 ARL library directors to read and provide constructive comments on the scenarios, name the scenarios, and either select a scenario that most closely matched their vision or propose a new scenario. The…

The advent of large-scale digital repositories, along with the need for sharing useful data world-wide, demands change to the current information structure. The merging of digital scientific data with scholarly literature has the potential to fulfill the Semantic Web design principles. This paper will identify factors leading to integration of…

Not since the age of Gutenberg has an information upheaval so thoroughly disrupted the processes of scholarly knowledge creation, management and preservation as the digital revolution currently under way. Academic libraries have traditionally been structured to effectively facilitate the access, use and storage of mostly static, print-based…

Discussion of the future of libraries and librarians focuses on the effects of the information explosion and new technology. The topics considered include the information industry, electronic publishing, and the role of libraries. The importance of professional librarians in determining developments in library services is stressed. (eight…

Discusses the concept of information as a commodity and several approaches to selling information. Problems with the commodification of information are identified, including user fees that exclude the poor, censorship, and educational liabilities. A plan of action for libraries to resist this trend is described. (18 references) (MES)

Reviews the emergence of lobbies, both from within and outside the library profession, that argue for a fee based approach to the delivery of information, and explores the possible effects of this policy on the role of libraries and equal access to knowledge. (Author/CLB)

Summarizes events at an OCLC-sponsored conference at which three major issues were addressed: (1) how public libraries will improve access to services and resources; (2) how public librarians will interact with users and what skills/attitudes they will require; and (3) the impact of interlibrary cooperation in light of changes in society and…

This paper offers a framework for thinking about the "library" in the year 2001 and predicts that, although the development of new technologies will impact libraries, it will not reduce them to the status of museum artifacts. Three questions are identified as critical areas for delegates to the 1990 New York State Governor's Conference…

Discusses the key role of the school library as an information commons that prepares tomorrow's citizens to recognize their rights and responsibilities in the information age. An action agenda for school librarians aimed at ensuring that young people will continue to have opportunities to participate in a digital age democracy is suggested. (MES)

Presents preliminary results of a survey that explored public library roles in the use of Internet/NREN (National Research and Education Network) services. Key issues are identified, including risks and barriers to network use, access, suggested services, professional association role, and committing resources; and recommendations to facilitate…

These papers are intended to relate to a number of issues suggested by the overall conference theme of the power of information and how it is transforming the world. Most of the 11 papers cover a number of related issues--managing information, technological advances and their impacts, and new roles for librarians. Titles include: "The…

The 1994 Forum on Library and Information Services was planned to provide an opportunity to explore the role of libraries in the evolving information and communications infrastructure. This report on the proceedings of the Forum begins with the agenda and a list of the participants. Two roles of the Department of Education relating to libraries…

Provides an overview of technological change and the capabilities of technology in libraries. Three trends that drive changes in library technology are discussed: (1) integration of technologies; (2) idiosyncratic use of information; and (3) disembodiment of the library through electronic information. Areas of concern, including access,…